KUALA LUMPUR: The Islamic State (IS) militant group is believed to have adopted a new tactic in launching attacks in Malaysia – using female suicide bombers.
Federal police Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) principal assistant director Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said this is the latest modus operandi deployed as they were influenced by tactics used abroad, such as Indonesia, which exploited children.
“The women used to be the supporting members, who collect funds for the terrorist group, but now their role has changed.
“In Malaysia, we have detected such trend. A 51-year-old woman, who is believed to have planned an attack in Puchong on May 9, during the 14th General Election voting day, has been arrested,” he said today.
Ayob said the terrorist group was targeting women to serve as suicide bombers.
“In this regard, immediate preventative measures need to be taken to curb such an alarming activity as record showed that 43 women were arrested since 2012 for their involvement in terrorist activities.”